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I'm pleased to announce a new book about Fresno by longtime Fresno-area journalist Stephen H. Provost, with a foreword by Dean Opperman (formerly of KKDJ's The Breakfast Club with Dean & Don. "Fresno Growing Up: A City Comes of Age" focuses on the years 1945-1985. It's packed with info and photos, both historical and contemporary, focusing on Fresno's growth, recreation, arts and culture. Al Radka, the Roadrunners, Sunnyside Drive-In, Perry Boys' Smorgy, The Big 13 KYNO, the Fresno Falcons and a whole lot more are covered in the book. You can meet the author at a book launch party from 6 to 9 p.m. during ArtHop August 6 at All Things Fresno, 1424 Fulton in the Warnors complex downtown. The book is published by Linden Publishing, the same company that produced Cathy Rehart's "Legends & Legacies" book series and several other volumes on local history, and is available through the Linden website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major booksellers.

“Fresno Growing Up documents the culture of a sleepy agricultural town suddenly turning into the fastest growing city in the United States. Packed with pictures and personalities, it’s a cinematic travelog through the fads and the food, the fun and the fables that made Fresno such an underappreciated blast in those days, and Stephen Provost captures it all in a style as delectable as pink popcorn in Roeding Park. There’s never been a chronicle of Fresno so rich and detailed, and it’s unlikely there will be again. ”— Dean Opperman, Dean & Don's Breakfast Club

“Indeed, home is where the heart is. And after reading this exceptionally chronicled masterpiece, you will validate your heart’s love for this nutty, fascinating hometown of ours. The words and photos will jingle memory bells of happy days that ring true today, and keep us near.”— John Wallace, veteran Fresno broadcaster/news anchor